The Real Story - a second read

[Usivius]

OK, I know there have been variations on a theme here, but I just wish to add my thoughts on this series. I first read it (gradually) when it first came out, re-reading each book as a new one came out (until book 4, which, as I recall, because I found 3 & 4 disappointing). But allow me to give my thoughts on 'The Read Story' as I have just finished it and will be moving on the 'Forbidden Knowledge'.

The Real Story (TRS) can only be a 'book one' of a series. SRD's afterforward describes how it was written as a single novella. Well his instincts were right that this story (as great as it is) cannot stand on its own in a satisfying way.

It has been discussed before about how the three main characters switch roles of victim, victimizer and hero. As I recall from my reading the series the first time, I was severely disappointed in the attempt to make Angus a 'hero' character. And was surprised at how many people despised Nick more than Angus. But, as I said, it has been a while since I read the whole series, so I will only comment on the books that I have read.

TRS: (bear with me as I know I write with little organized essay-type style)
Great intro to the series. Brutal and unforgiving. It is understandable why SRD might have initially been embarrassed to release such a book, as the main character, Angus, is so dark and evil. Yes, "evil". I can't help but wonder what a woman reading this book might feel, as Morn is not really the main character here, and is so brutally victimized. It almost seems like some twisted male-fantasy.
But it is not. We know it serves the story for later books. (but again, I get ahead of myself).
I enjoyed the way the story flows and is not told distictly from one POV, unlike the following novels, which work in the way they are written. But for TRS, this writting style suits this intro to the series. The hints of what are to come are planted well enough and we are (hopefully) very interested in finding out more about Morn, and what will become of her. As I read this a second time, I am clamouring to read the second one, where Morn finally comes in to her own and gains the strength to tackle the problems, doubts and foes that stand before her. In this one, she is such a victim, it is difficult to feel anything but passive pity for her (again, serving the novels that will come after).
Nick, for me, is one of the least talked about and most misunderstood characters of the series (whoa, usivius, stay on topic...) ... in TRS he is little more than a dashing swashbuckling pirate that 'saves' Morn' and defeats his vile rival, Angus. We learn a little about how he got the scars, which scar his view of women, as much as Angus has scarred Morn's view of all men. But the little we learn of him only serves the story and set us up nicely for a different view of the dashing pirate in the books that follow.

And by the end of the first book, we are left with a relatively clean story, neatly self contained, yet nicely leading in to the next four books to come. The little tid-bits of info (aliens, forbidden space, UMC, technology, etc.) are all cleanly described enough to give information needed without confusing the reader. We are set to receive more detailed information about EVERYTHING in the following novels.

I rate 'The Real Story' an 8 out of 10.

[Nathan]

As I recall from my reading the series the first time, I was severely disappointed in the attempt to make Angus a 'hero' character.

I've heard several people complain about Donaldson trying to "force" an opinion about a character onto people, but he doesn't. He tells you what happened. He tells a story, that's all. You can think what the hell you like about the characters and what they do, it doesn't matter to the story whether you like or hate the characters because it'll go on without you.

[Usivius]

He tells you what happened. He tells a story, that's all.

Yes, yes, that much is obvious, but it is really only a half truth. A writer has a story in mind and a direction characters will take in a story, both to fulfil plot and elaborate on their personality. And despite how often writing a character may (or may not) take the writer in a different direction just by the process, the author still has (even on a semi-conscious level) an intent for his characters.
Now, having said this, and keeping in mind my preface that it was a long time ago since I read the series, and I have only completely read the first book again (half way through the second), but considering what is in TRS and what I recalled from the other books, I never could get my mind around Angus being a 'hero' and I couldn't help be left with the impression that the author (the reveared SRD) was trying to make Angus a kind of TC character: a despicable character who (tries to?) redeems himself through later selfless acts of heroism for the benefit of others.

NOW, once again, having said that, I am reading the books again, and despite my many side-tracks as I write about TRS, I do slip in tid-bits of impressions that reflect the impressions I had reading them the first time. I will do my best to update this as I read the series again, and it may be that I will see things in a different light. <shrug> It won't be the first time....

(Half-way through 'Forbidden Knowledge' and having a grand time!...)

[Sorus]

Nick, for me, is one of the least talked about and most misunderstood characters of the series (whoa, usivius, stay on topic...) ... in TRS he is little more than a dashing swashbuckling pirate that 'saves' Morn' and defeats his vile rival, Angus. We learn a little about how he got the scars, which scar his view of women, as much as Angus has scarred Morn's view of all men. But the little we learn of him only serves the story and set us up nicely for a different view of the dashing pirate in the books that follow.

I've always thought TRS gave us the best insight into the 'real' Nick. I read TRS after ADAHGA and C&O and had to keep going back to re-read certain parts because of all the contradictions.

[Usivius]

Sorus, I could not agree with you more. I think what happened after he picked up (saved?) Morn changed him from the character he was prior to "Forbidden Knowledge". He seems to be a dashing pirate that never loses, his life altered byu the scars left by another brutal woman (Sorus... hey!), but, later, it is Morn who scars him even further and he is altered becasue of it...
But I will argue that case in a separate post once I finish FK... 3/4 done...

[Sorus]

I'll keep this brief as it's a bit off topic, but I've always believed there was more to that story then we will ever actually know.

Spoiler

Watch how Nick's story changes as the series progresses. He's gradually pulling farther and farther away from reality, making himself look more like a victim than an accomplice. And as for what Sorus did to him, certainly it was intentionally cruel and demeaning, but we've also only heard his side of the story. I've always felt it was out of line with the way her character was portrayed throughout the rest of the series. For example, her interrogation of Davies on Billingate:

Spoiler

Unnecessarily she concluded, "I wasn't particularly interested in torturing him just for the fun of it."

Spoiler

Perhaps she was changed by her experiences with the Amnion (which fits with the classic SRD theme of redemption) or as I prefer to believe, she was never half the villain Nick made her out to be.

[Loredoctor]

I think Nick needed an 'arch enemy' - it completed his role as a space pirate.

[Nathan]

But there's also nothing Sorus says that contradicts Nick's story about what happened on the original Captain's Fancy.

Undoubtedly she gave him the scars, what else could be added/removed from Nick's account that would change anything?

Admittedly, Sorus does seem to be a lot different than the scar story would have us believe, but she's had a lot of time (and slavery to the Amnion) to change.

[Loredoctor]

Good points, Nathan. And let's not forget that Sorus is seeking redemption for her past crimes - including the act of injecting mutagen into Ciro. So, I'm sure she was much worse in the past; Nick may therefore be correct and a real victim!